How do i take off the brake drums on a 2003 chevy cavalier

After you remove the tire, the drim should slide off. If it doesn't then try using a rubber mallet and gently tap on the outside edge as you pull on it. Sometimes you also need to tap on the drum in the center part. I have sprayed penetrating lubes like WD-40 or PB Blaster into the seam at the center. You may also have to back off the parking brake cable or even use the adjuster to back off the shoes.

Hello,

To replace the brake drum of Your 2003 chevy cavalier, please follow the steps below,

1. Ensure You take off the negative terminal of the battery,
2. Identify Rear Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder Components. About half of all car manufacturers still use drum style rear brakes. Drum brakes are not as efficient as disc brake systems but, drum brakes are easily produced and can be used on the rear of a vehicle since only about 30% of the braking is performed by the rear brakes. Rear brake shoes are more difficult to service when worn and may require special tools to service. Rear brake shoes performance is more affected by water and rain; the braking ability is greatly compromised. Full braking ability will not return until fully dry.
3. Removing the Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinder. Remove brake drum to inspect brake shoes for wear. If the brake material is less than 1/8 inch, they need to be replaced in most cases. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks. Remove the dust boot from the side of the wheel cylinder and check for brake fluid leaks. If brake fluid is present the wheel cylinder needs replacing. Also check brake shoe hardware, return and mounting springs, and replace if damaged or broken.
4. Removing Brake Shoe Mounting Springs. Use the brake spring tool to remove the return spring to each of the brake shoes.
5. Removing Wheel Cylinder. Hold the rear of the retainer pin. Insert brake shoe removal tool over retainer clip, press down and twist counter clockwise. Remove spring and retainer. Inspect and replace as needed. Then remove the rear brake shoes and remaining hardware. Match the old brake shoes to the new brake shoes. Both sets should match up exactly. Then transfer hardware to new brake shoes.
6. Reassemble With New Brake Parts. After the rear brake shoe and hardware pieces have been removed, install line wrench onto brake line at the wheel cylinder and loosen the mounting fitting, then remove it. Note: brake fluid will leak from line when loosened. Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts and replace wheel cylinder with new unit. Re-attach and tighten brake lines and retighten wheel cylinder mounting bolts. Then clean and lube the brake shoe backing plate. Reassemble with new brake parts and make sure all the brake hardware is mounted correctly. Note: when changing rear brake shoes, only disassemble one side at a time so you always have a reference copy on the side that is still together.
7. Adjusting Brake Shoes. After brake shoes have been installed they need to be adjusted. Normally they are self adjusting but the first time after installation, a primary adjustment must be made. After installing the brake drum and spinning it on the bearing hub, adjust the brake shoes to lightly contact the brake drum and recheck regularly. After the brake shoes are adjusted, bleed the brake system until free from air and leaks. Test brake system before driving.
   
8. Do not move the vehicle until normal brake pedal operation is present.